R. Kelly Speaks On Child Sex Allegations: “I Only Have a Problem with Haters”

No matter how far R. Kelly goes, his past continues to follow him. On the eve of his new album, the singer is faced once again with allegationthat he had sexual relations with underage girls. “I only have a problem with haters. Other than that, I’m doing well,” he tells New York Magazine.“I feel better than ever with my album The Buffet.”

R. Kelly has been under fire for years over allegations that he has had sexual relations with underage girls—and used his power and money to pay them off. In 1994, the singer (then 27) married a 15-year-old Aaliyah. They falsified documents stating that she was 18 in order to get married. In the years that followed, R. Kelly was sued by several women for allegedly having sex with them when they were underage. He settled out of court. In 2002, he was indicted on 21 counts of making child pornography. He was eventually acquitted of all charges.

When asked point-blank if he’s attracted to underage girls, the singer says, “That’s a rumor that comes from the Earth, like all rumors.” Uh. Ok. He continues, “No. It’s not true. I love women, period. If I wasn’t a celebrity, people wouldn’t be saying these things about me.”